Teacher to Be Scholarships

Teacher to Be, launched in 2002, awards scholarship dollars to non-instructional employees of the school system who have the dream and desire to earn a teaching degree, but lack the funding.  Since its inception, 12 Teacher to Be recipients graduated from college and became teachers in our schools. There are currently 36 employees receiving Teacher to Be scholarships.

"As a child growing up, all I ever wanted to be was a teacher. It wasn't until I had the experience of working as an instructional paraprofessional in an elementary school that I realized I would never be completely satisfied until I accomplished my dream of being a teacher.  So here I am, getting ready to graduate, thanks to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County.  Their financial help has eased the hardship of attending classes and buying books, and for that, I am eternally grateful."    

Yvonne Conner

"The scholarship is way for me to go to college. I am 46 years old, and I have 6 grown children and one is still in high school. While raising my children I have worked with the Marion County School system. I love working with the students. I have watched wonderful teachers bring out the best in the students. Seeing their faces light up is a wonderful feeling.

I am currently registered at CFCC and this scholarship gives me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a great teacher in the future. I will not disappoint you."

Shari Sexton

"Photo by Lynn P. Stock and courtesy of the Ocala Star-Banner."

Download Teacher to Be info sheet